14-Day Peru Classic Itinerary 2026

Q: How much does a 14-day Peru trip cost for Australians?

Mid-range couple from Australia: AUD $12,000-$17,000 total for 14 days. Includes return flights Australia to Lima (approximately AUD $3,500-$4,800 per couple, typically via Santiago or LA), 13 nights mid-range accommodation (AUD $2,800-$4,000), domestic Peru flights (AUD $800-$1,200), ground transport/transfers, Machu Picchu entry and train, Sacred Valley tours, Lake Titicaca excursions, Amazon lodge with full board (AUD $1,500-$2,500 for 3 nights), food, and activities. Budget tier: AUD $8,500-$11,000. Luxury: AUD $22,000-$35,000.

Q: What's the best time of year to visit Peru?

April-October is the dry season in the Peruvian Andes — optimal for Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. May-September is peak dry season with clear skies. June-August brings the biggest crowds and highest prices. November-March is wet season with daily rain, some trail closures, and lush green landscapes at lower prices. The Amazon is paradoxically better in wet season (higher water levels allow deeper boat access). Our sweet spot: April-May or September-October — dry weather, smaller crowds, shoulder pricing.

Q: Is altitude sickness a real concern in Peru?

Yes — genuinely. Cusco sits at 3,339m, higher than Thredbo's peak (2,037m). Altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of fitness, and symptoms typically appear 6-24 hours after arrival. This itinerary deliberately sleeps the first Andean night in Urubamba (2,871m, Sacred Valley) rather than Cusco to soften the altitude jump. Acetazolamide (Diamox) prescribed by your GP before travel is recommended. Coca tea, slow movement for 48 hours, hydration, and avoiding alcohol on arrival all help. Serious altitude sickness needs immediate descent — see a doctor.

Q: How do I book Machu Picchu tickets?

Machu Picchu uses a timed-entry circuit system. Book via the official site tuboleto.cultura.pe or through a Cooee Tours booking at least 2-3 months ahead (4+ months for peak season May-September). Tickets specify entry time AND circuit — Circuit 2 covers the classic postcard view; Circuits 1 and 3 are cheaper alternatives. Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hikes require separate tickets and sell out fastest. Entry rules change seasonally — always verify current circuit options before booking.

Q: Should I do the Inca Trail or take the train?

Train is easier and included in this itinerary — Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, 1h30 with scenic Urubamba River views. Inca Trail adds 4 days of trekking but requires permits 6+ months ahead (limited to 500 per day including porters), significant altitude fitness, and swaps 3 lodge nights for camping. If trekking appeals, the Salkantay Trek is an excellent alternative with easier permits. Both classic train and trek options available through Cooee Tours.

Q: Which Amazon region should I visit from Peru?

Two main options. Tambopata (from Puerto Maldonado) is closer — 1h flight from Cusco, easier logistics, cheaper lodges, excellent wildlife. This itinerary uses Tambopata. Iquitos / Pacaya-Samiria is much deeper Amazon — requires flight Lima to Iquitos, then boat or cruise. More remote, more biodiversity, more expensive. For a 14-day trip starting in Cusco, Tambopata integrates seamlessly. For deeper Amazon experience with 18+ days, Iquitos/Pacaya-Samiria.

Q: Is Peru safe for Australian travellers?

Generally yes — tourist zones in Lima (Miraflores, Barranco), Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Amazon lodges are well-patrolled and safe for standard-precaution travellers. Pickpocketing in markets and on local buses is the main risk. Avoid displaying expensive electronics, use registered taxis (Uber works in Lima and Cusco), and don't walk alone at night in non-tourist areas. Political protests occur occasionally — check Smartraveller before travel. See our Americas Safety Guide for detailed country-by-country safety information.

🏔️ Critical Context

Altitude — Read This First

Every Peru trip for Aussies has the same single most important variable: altitude. Cusco sits at 3,339m — higher than Thredbo's peak. This is the one planning factor that changes everything about how you sequence the first week.

The Altitude Reality for Australians

Australia is a low-altitude continent — most of us live below 500m. Cusco (3,339m), Lake Titicaca (3,812m), and even Sacred Valley (2,871m) will affect you regardless of fitness. Symptoms typically appear 6–24 hours after arrival — headache, breathlessness, difficulty sleeping, mild nausea. Rarely dangerous at these altitudes if managed sensibly, but genuinely unpleasant if ignored.

This itinerary's single smartest design choice: you don't sleep in Cusco the first night. You fly Lima → Cusco, transfer directly to Urubamba (Sacred Valley, 2,871m) and sleep at lower altitude. Cusco's 3,339m is much easier on Day 7 after your body has acclimatised.

💊

Acetazolamide (Diamox)

Prescription altitude medication — ask your GP 4+ weeks before travel. Start dosing 24 hours before Cusco arrival, continue until day 3 at altitude. Genuinely effective. Works by accelerating acclimatisation rather than masking symptoms. Contraindicated with sulphur allergy.

🍵

Coca Tea & Hydration

Traditional coca leaf tea (mate de coca) genuinely helps — every hotel provides it free. Drink 3-4 litres of water daily at altitude (double what you'd drink at home). Avoid alcohol the first 48 hours at altitude — even one beer feels like three.

🛌

First 48 Hours

Move slowly. Eat light. Avoid heavy exercise, big meals, or any hiking for the first 2 days at altitude. It's not about fitness — even marathon runners get altitude sickness. Day 1 of Sacred Valley is deliberately relaxed in this itinerary; save the Pisac ruins climb for Day 2.

🎯 Before You Book

Six Essentials Before Booking

Peru-specific details beyond altitude. The general Americas basics (flights, travel insurance, safety) are covered in our Americas blog series — these are the six things unique to Peru trips.

🛂

No Visa for Aussies

Australian passport holders don't need a visa for tourism stays up to 183 days. Tourist Card issued on arrival — keep it until departure. Passport must be valid 6+ months beyond planned departure.

✈️

Getting to Lima

No direct Australia-Peru flights. Most common routings: Sydney/Melbourne → LAX → Lima (LATAM, American) or Sydney → Santiago → Lima (LATAM, Qantas codeshare). Total travel time 20-24 hours. Return flights typically AUD $2,200-$3,500 per person.

🎫

Machu Picchu Tickets

Timed-entry with circuit system. Circuit 2 is the classic postcard view — prioritise booking it. Must book via tuboleto.cultura.pe or through a travel agent 2-3 months ahead (4+ months peak season). Huayna Picchu hike adds separate ticket, sells out fastest.

💵

Currency & Tipping

Sol (PEN) is the local currency. USD widely accepted in tourist zones. Cards accepted in Lima, Cusco, Aguas Calientes; cash essential for markets, remote areas, tips. Tipping: 10% restaurants, USD $5-10/day tour guides, USD $2-3/bag porters.

🌧️

Dry vs Wet Season

Dry season: April–October (best for Andes). Wet season November–March brings daily rain at altitude; some trails close. Amazon is opposite — wet season gives higher water levels and deeper boat access. April-May and September-October are the sweet spots.

🛡️

Travel Insurance

Peru-specific cover essentials: high-altitude activities (up to 4,000m+), emergency evacuation from remote areas (Amazon lodges), and medical evacuation from Cusco if altitude sickness escalates. Cover-More's comprehensive plan works well. See our insurance guide.

📅 When to Go

Pick Your Season

Peru's tourism calendar revolves around the dry season in the Andes (April–October). Wet season has trade-offs rather than being bad — just different.

Wet Season

Nov–Mar

★★☆☆

Daily rain at altitude. Lush green landscapes. Inca Trail closed Feb. Amazon at peak water levels — best wildlife access. Cheapest prices.

Shoulder

Apr–May

★★★★★

Optimal. Dry, clear skies, wildflowers in Sacred Valley, smaller crowds, shoulder pricing. Post-wet-season green.

Peak Dry

Jun–Aug

★★★☆

Clearest skies, coldest nights at altitude (0°C Cusco). Peak crowds and prices. Machu Picchu tickets sell out. Aussie winter = peak pricing.

Shoulder

Sep–Oct

★★★★★

Optimal. Still dry, warming, crowds dropping, harvest season. Best photography light with high contrast.

💡 Our pick: Mid-September through mid-October. Daytime temperatures 18-22°C in the Andes (similar to Melbourne autumn), Amazon still accessible before the worst of wet season, harvest festivals in Sacred Valley, clear Machu Picchu mornings. Avoid July-August unless Aussie winter holidays are your only window — expect 40% premium on everything.

🗺️ The Itinerary

14 Days — Day by Day

The full Peru Classic with daily transfers, suggested accommodation, key experiences, and altitude-aware pacing. Every day sequenced deliberately. Designed for Aussie travellers balancing iconic experiences with acclimatisation.

Day 1–2

Arrive Lima — Food Capital Recovery

📍 LIM · 150m elevation

Day 1: Arrive at Jorge Chávez International (LIM) from Australia via LAX or Santiago. Transfer to Miraflores (45 min with traffic). Check in, shower, shake the 22-hour flight. Early dinner — ceviche at La Mar or Isolina — and bed. Sea level feels lovely after the flight. Day 2: Recovery day that's still rewarding. Morning: Larco Museum (pre-Columbian art, genuinely extraordinary). Afternoon: walk the Malecón Miraflores clifftops, watch paragliders launch. Evening: food tour through Miraflores and Barranco — Lima is one of the world's great food cities, genuinely. Reservation at Central or Maido if you've booked 3+ months ahead; otherwise Isolina, La Mar, or Kjolle.

🏨 Stay

Splurge: Belmond Miraflores Park, Hotel B (Barranco). Mid: Casa Andina Premium, JW Marriott. Stay in Miraflores or Barranco only.

🍽️ Eat

Central (tasting menu, 3+ months ahead), Maido, Isolina Taberna, La Mar Cebichería, Kjolle, Panchita. Lima ceviche is the world's best.

💰 Day cost

AUD $450–$800 per couple including airport transfer, accommodation, meals.

Experiences

Ceviche lunch in Miraflores
Larco Museum (pre-Columbian)
Malecón clifftop walk
Barranco street art & bars
Huaca Pucllana evening dinner
Central or Maido (if booked ahead)

💡 Arrival strategy: Don't try to do too much Day 1 — you'll be jet-lagged and the altitude jump to Cusco is coming Day 3. Lima is sea level, so no altitude stress yet; use these two days to properly recover. Central and Maido (both in Pellegrini's World's 50 Best) need 3-4 month advance reservation; don't rely on walking in.

Day 3–5

Sacred Valley — Inca Fortresses & Acclimatisation

✈️ LIM→CUZ 1h30 · 🚗 1h15 to Urubamba · 2,871m

Day 3: Morning flight Lima → Cusco (LATAM or Sky Airline, 1h30). Critical: transfer directly to Urubamba in the Sacred Valley — don't overnight in Cusco yet. Urubamba at 2,871m is 500m lower than Cusco, much gentler on first-night altitude adjustment. Gentle afternoon — coca tea, light lunch, pool or spa, early night. Day 4: Sacred Valley circuit — Pisac ruins and market (morning, before crowds), Maras salt pans and Moray concentric Inca agricultural terraces (midday), Ollantaytambo fortress climb (late afternoon golden light). Day 5: Choose your own — options include Chinchero weaving village, horse riding in the valley, Rainbow Mountain day trip (strenuous, 5,200m — only if acclimatised), or pure relaxation at the hotel spa.

🏨 Stay

Splurge: Tambo del Inka, Sol y Luna, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba. Mid: Aranwa Sacred Valley, Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado.

🍽️ Eat

Hacienda Huayoccari (local family estate), MIL Centro (Moray, chef Virgilio Martínez), El Huacatay, Sol y Luna hotel restaurant.

💰 Day cost

AUD $650–$1,050 per couple per day including flights, accommodation, tours.

Experiences

Pisac ruins & Sunday market
Moray Inca agricultural terraces
Maras salt pans (3,000+ pools)
Ollantaytambo fortress climb
Chinchero weaving demonstration
MIL Centro tasting menu (if booked)

💡 Altitude discipline: No matter how good you feel on Day 3, resist the temptation to climb Ollantaytambo fortress that afternoon — save the climb for Day 4 or 5. Drink coca tea on arrival at the hotel, take your Diamox, eat light. Every Aussie who has ignored this advice has regretted it by midnight Day 3. Rainbow Mountain is a genuinely tough day at 5,200m — only add it if you're fit, acclimatised, and weather is clear.

Day 6–7

Machu Picchu — The Main Event

🚂 1h30 to Aguas Calientes · 2,430m

Day 6: Early morning train Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes (PeruRail Vistadome or Inca Rail, 1h30 with scenic panorama windows). Afternoon: acclimatisation in Aguas Calientes — hot springs, relaxed lunch, explore the town's markets. Dinner at Indio Feliz or Tinkuy Buffet (part of Sumaq Hotel). Day 7 — THE day: 5:00am wake, 5:30am bus queue, 6:00am entry to Machu Picchu at first light. Circuit 2 is the postcard circuit — the classic view from the Guardian's House overlook. Optional Huayna Picchu climb if you've booked 3+ months ahead (limited 400 permits/day). 2-3 hours exploring; back to Aguas Calientes by noon. Afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo, then drive to Cusco (sleep in Cusco for Day 7 night).

🏨 Stay

Splurge: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo, Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (inside park — the only one). Mid: Casa del Sol, El MaPi.

🍽️ Eat

Indio Feliz (French-Peruvian), Tinkuy Buffet (Sumaq Hotel), Tampu (Sanctuary Lodge inside park). Limited options in town.

💰 Day cost

AUD $700–$1,400 per couple including train (USD $130 pp return), MP entry (USD $65 pp), bus (USD $24 pp return).

Experiences

Vistadome scenic train ride
Machu Picchu Circuit 2 tour
Sun Gate hike (Intipunku)
Huayna Picchu climb (if permit)
Aguas Calientes hot springs
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge lunch

💡 The single most important booking: Machu Picchu Circuit 2 tickets 2-3 months ahead minimum via tuboleto.cultura.pe. Peak season (June-August) sell out 4+ months ahead. Entry time stamped — 6am slot gives best light and smallest crowds. Budget-tier travellers often get stuck with Circuit 1 or 3 (different views, not the postcard) — we always prioritise Circuit 2 for clients. Huayna Picchu climbs sell out fastest of all; not recommended if afraid of heights.

Day 8–9

Cusco — Inca Capital & Colonial Heart

📍 Cusco · 3,339m (fully acclimatised by now)

Day 8: After 5 days of Sacred Valley acclimatisation, Cusco's altitude is now manageable. Morning: walking tour of Cusco's old town — Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), Cathedral, San Blas artisan quarter. Afternoon: Sacsayhuamán ruins above Cusco (the zigzag Inca stone walls, cyclopean blocks fit millimetre-perfect). Day 9: Choose your focus — Option A Southern Valley (Tipón, Pikillaqta, Andahuaylillas "Sistine Chapel of the Andes"); Option B San Pedro Market deep dive with cooking class; Option C Cusco rest day — cafés, San Blas wandering, textile shopping, early dinner.

🏨 Stay

Splurge: Belmond Monasterio, JW Marriott El Convento, Palacio del Inka. Mid: Casa Cartagena, Sonesta, Hotel Rumi Punku. Stay in or near Plaza de Armas.

🍽️ Eat

Cicciolina (tapas), Chicha (Gastón Acurio), MAP Café (Museum of Pre-Columbian Art), Limo (fusion), Pachapapa (Andean).

💰 Day cost

AUD $450–$800 per couple per day including accommodation, meals, tours, entry fees.

Experiences

Plaza de Armas evening walk
Qorikancha Temple of the Sun
Sacsayhuamán cyclopean ruins
San Blas artisan quarter
San Pedro Market exploration
Cusco cathedral & side chapels

💡 Cusco altitude note: By Day 8 you'll be fully acclimatised to 3,339m after 5 days in the Sacred Valley — Cusco's hills will feel manageable rather than lung-crushing. Still pace yourself. The 20-minute walk from Plaza de Armas up to Sacsayhuamán is steep; taxi up, walk down. Early dinners in Cusco — most restaurants wind down by 10pm.

Day 10–11

Lake Titicaca — Reed Islands & Ancient Culture

🚂 10h PeruRail Andean Explorer · 3,812m

Day 10: Two options for Cusco → Puno. Option A — Andean Explorer luxury train (10 hours, spectacular scenery, lunch included, USD $385 pp — genuinely excellent and a trip highlight for many clients). Option B — flight (1h via Juliaca, USD $150 pp, boring but fast). We recommend the train. Arrive Puno late afternoon, check in. Day 11: Full-day Lake Titicaca excursion — motorboat out to the Uros floating reed islands (2 hours), continue to Taquile Island (traditional weaving culture, UNESCO Intangible Heritage, lunch with a local family), return late afternoon. Evening: rest at Puno hotel — altitude here is the highest of the trip at 3,812m.

🏨 Stay

Splurge: Titilaka (peninsula, all-inclusive, the best option). Mid: Libertador Lake Titicaca, Casa Andina Premium Puno. Lakeside hotels strongly preferred.

🍽️ Eat

Mostly hotel dining — Puno food scene is limited. Titilaka's restaurant is excellent. Family lunch on Taquile Island (quinoa soup, lake trout) is authentic.

💰 Day cost

AUD $700–$1,300 per couple per day including Andean Explorer train, accommodation, lake excursion.

Experiences

Andean Explorer luxury train
Uros reed island village
Taquile Island weaving culture
Family lunch on Taquile
Lakeside sunset from Titilaka
Sillustani pre-Inca burial towers

💡 Titicaca altitude warning: 3,812m is higher than anywhere else on the trip — about 500m above Cusco. Even well-acclimatised travellers feel it on arrival. Go slow, sleep early, and don't skip dinner (altitude suppresses appetite but you need food). Nights are cold — 0°C in winter (June-August). Hotel usually provides hot water bottles and extra blankets.

Day 12–14

Amazon Rainforest — Tambopata & Return to Lima

✈️ 1h30 flights · Amazon 200m · Lima 150m

Day 12: Morning flight Puno/Juliaca → Cusco → Puerto Maldonado (2 flights, 3h total). Boat 45 min up Tambopata River to eco-lodge. Afternoon: orientation walk, swimming, early dinner. Altitude drops dramatically — from 3,812m at Titicaca to 200m here — you'll feel it. Day 13: Full Amazon experience day — dawn canopy tower for birdlife (howler monkeys, macaws, toucans), mid-morning oxbow lake for caiman and giant river otters, afternoon jungle walk with guide, night walk to find frogs, tarantulas, caimans by torchlight. Day 14: Sunrise at the macaw clay lick (hundreds of parrots descend at dawn — iconic Amazon moment), late morning boat back to Puerto Maldonado, afternoon flights Puerto Maldonado → Cusco → Lima (or direct). Overnight Lima OR direct connection to Australia flight (late evening departures to LAX).

🏨 Stay

Splurge: Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, Rainforest Expeditions Refugio Amazonas. Mid: Posada Amazonas (Rainforest Expeditions). All include full board, guides, activities.

🍽️ Eat

All lodge meals included (typically 4/day). Local ingredients — Amazon fish, yuca, plantains, rice. Vegetarian options always available. Hearty rather than refined.

💰 Day cost

AUD $800–$1,500 per couple per day for lodge full-board (3 nights typical package AUD $2,500-$4,500 per couple).

Experiences

Dawn canopy tower birding
Oxbow lake caiman spotting
Macaw clay lick (sunrise)
Guided jungle walks
Night walk with torch
Giant river otters (if lucky)

💡 Amazon reality check: Tambopata is hot (28-32°C), humid (85%+), buggy (bring good repellent with DEET), and genuinely wild. This is not a resort. Lodge rooms are open-walled with mosquito nets — you'll hear every jungle sound. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed — experienced guides dramatically improve odds. If you want a more comfortable/guaranteed experience, consider an Amazon cruise from Iquitos instead (requires an extra 2-3 days and Lima-Iquitos flight). Return flight timing: Lima → LAX → Australia flights typically depart Lima late evening, so Day 14 works with same-day arrival from Puerto Maldonado.

💰 Real Numbers

Full AUD Budget Breakdown

What this trip actually costs Australian couples in 2026. All prices per couple unless noted. Mid-range tier is what we book most often.

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Return flights Sydney → Lima (via LAX/SCL)	AUD $3,200	AUD $4,400	AUD $9,500
Domestic Peru flights (LIM-CUZ, CUZ-JUL, JUL-PEM, PEM-LIM)	AUD $700	AUD $900	AUD $1,400
13 nights accommodation	AUD $2,200	AUD $4,500	AUD $12,500
Machu Picchu (entry, train, bus)	AUD $900	AUD $1,100	AUD $2,400
Sacred Valley tours & entries	AUD $400	AUD $600	AUD $1,400
Lake Titicaca (train + excursion)	AUD $500	AUD $1,100	AUD $2,200
Amazon lodge 3 nights full-board	AUD $1,500	AUD $2,800	AUD $5,500
Ground transfers & transport	AUD $400	AUD $600	AUD $1,400
Food & drinks (non-lodge meals)	AUD $1,400	AUD $2,200	AUD $4,500
Travel insurance & tips	AUD $500	AUD $700	AUD $1,200
TOTAL per couple	AUD $11,700	AUD $18,900	AUD $42,000

💡 Budget reality-check: Our most-booked version is the mid-range tier at approximately AUD $18,000 per couple. That gets you premium-economy flights, 4-star accommodation throughout, the Andean Explorer train, Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, good restaurants, and all major experiences. Budget tier still gets the same itinerary but with economy flights, 3-star hotels, and local restaurants. Luxury tier means Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (the only hotel inside Machu Picchu), Titilaka, business-class flights — genuinely special.

🔀 Your Way

Shorter, Trekking, or Luxury Variants

Not every traveller has 14 days. Here are the three most common adaptations we design for Australian clients.

⏱️ Shorter

10-Day Peru Highlights

Budget: AUD $11,000–$15,000 per couple

Cut the Amazon entirely and reduce Lima to 1 night. Lima → Sacred Valley (3n) → Machu Picchu (1n) → Cusco (2n) → Lake Titicaca (2n) → Lima. Keeps the Andean icons but loses the jungle. Works for travellers with 2 weeks total leave including travel.

🥾 Trekking

15-Day Inca Trail Version

Budget: AUD $14,500–$19,500 per couple

Replace the train-to-Machu-Picchu with the classic 4-day Inca Trail trek (45km, camping, ~500 permits/day, book 6+ months ahead). Demands fitness and altitude tolerance. Arrive Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate (Intipunku) at sunrise — the world's great trekking finishes. Skips one day elsewhere to accommodate.

✨ Luxury

14-Day Belmond Upgrade

Budget: AUD $38,000–$55,000 per couple

Same 14 days, same sequence, but: Belmond Miraflores Park (Lima), Belmond Hotel Monasterio (Cusco), Belmond Sanctuary Lodge inside Machu Picchu (the only hotel at the site itself), Hiram Bingham luxury train, Titilaka all-inclusive (Titicaca), Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica. Private guides throughout. Premium-economy or business flights. Exceptional.

🌎 Other common adaptations: Add Bolivia (cross from Puno to La Paz via Copacabana, add 5 days for Salar de Uyuni — stunning but logistics-heavy). Add Arequipa and Colca Canyon (4 extra days, condor watching, beautiful colonial city). Combine with Patagonia (fly Lima → Santiago → Punta Arenas, extends to 21+ days). Trek Salkantay instead of Inca Trail (permits easier, similar experience). Contact us to build exactly what you want.

🎒 What's In, What's Out

If You Book This With Us

When Cooee Tours builds this itinerary for you, here's what sits in the package and what doesn't.

✅ Included in Package

Customised 14-day itinerary document (PDF)
All hotel bookings with direct confirmation
Return flights Australia ↔ Lima
All domestic Peru flights
All inter-city transfers (train, private car)
Machu Picchu entry + Circuit 2 tickets
PeruRail Vistadome to Machu Picchu
Andean Explorer to Lake Titicaca (mid/luxe)
Sacred Valley private tour + entries
Lake Titicaca Uros & Taquile excursion
Amazon lodge 3 nights full-board with guides
24/7 emergency specialist line
Restaurant reservations (Central, Maido, MIL)

❌ Not Included

Most meals outside lodges (Lima/Cusco/Sacred Valley)
Optional add-ons (Huayna Picchu climb, Rainbow Mountain)
Travel insurance (we advise independently)
Tips & gratuities (budget AUD $400–600)
Personal expenses & souvenirs
Alcoholic beverages at lodges
Spa treatments at hotels
Peru Tourist Card (free on arrival)
Laundry
Inca Trail trek (priced separately if added)

💡 Why book through Cooee Tours vs DIY? Three reasons particularly for Peru: (1) Machu Picchu circuit tickets — we book Circuit 2 at the right time slot; DIY travellers routinely end up with Circuit 1 or wrong time. (2) Altitude sequencing — we sleep you in Urubamba not Cusco Night 1; DIY travellers often don't know this matters. (3) Amazon lodge selection — we know which lodges deliver and which oversell; lodge-quality varies wildly. But the day-by-day above is yours to use — this guide exists because we know it works.

📋 Pre-Departure

The Booking Checklist

Not everything books the same way. Follow this priority order — top items have longest lead times.

🗓️ Priority Booking Order — 14-Day Peru Classic

Follow this sequence. Miss the first three items' timing and the trip becomes much harder to deliver at the quality level we'd want.

01

Flights Australia → Lima — book 4–6 months ahead for best fares. Via LAX (American, LATAM) or Santiago (LATAM, Qantas codeshare).

02

Machu Picchu Circuit 2 tickets — 2-3 months ahead minimum, 4+ months for peak season. Via tuboleto.cultura.pe or travel agent.

03

Inca Trail permits (if trekking) — 6+ months ahead. Limited 500 permits/day including porters. Sells out instantly for peak dates.

04

Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (if luxury tier) — only hotel inside MP site, 12 months ahead. Alternative high-end: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo.

05

Andean Explorer luxury train — 3-4 months ahead. Only runs certain days (check schedule). Genuinely a trip highlight.

06

Huayna Picchu climb (optional) — separate ticket from MP general entry. Limit 400/day. Books out fastest of all.

07

Central / Maido restaurants Lima — 3-4 months ahead. Central is in World's 50 Best. Don't rely on walk-in.

08

Amazon lodge — 2-3 months ahead for peak season. Inkaterra and Rainforest Expeditions book faster than alternatives.

09

Sacred Valley hotels — 2-3 months ahead. Tambo del Inka and Sol y Luna fill early in peak season.

10

Domestic Peru flights — 2 months ahead. LATAM and Sky Airline both reliable for the Lima-Cusco-Juliaca-Puerto Maldonado legs.

11

Acetazolamide (Diamox) — see GP 4+ weeks before travel. Prescription only in Australia. Most Aussie GPs familiar with altitude travel prescribing.

12

Travel insurance — at time of flight booking. AUD $10M+ medical cover, high-altitude activities (4,000m+), emergency evac from remote areas.

❓ FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The Peru Classic questions Australian travellers ask us most often before booking.

How much does a 14-day Peru trip cost for Australians?

Mid-range couple from Australia: AUD $12,000-$17,000 total for 14 days. Includes return flights Australia to Lima (approximately AUD $3,500-$4,800 per couple, typically via Santiago or LA), 13 nights mid-range accommodation (AUD $2,800-$4,000), domestic Peru flights (AUD $800-$1,200), ground transport/transfers, Machu Picchu entry and train, Sacred Valley tours, Lake Titicaca excursions, Amazon lodge with full board (AUD $1,500-$2,500 for 3 nights), food, and activities. Budget tier: AUD $8,500-$11,000. Luxury: AUD $22,000-$35,000.

What's the best time of year to visit Peru?

April-October is the dry season in the Peruvian Andes — optimal for Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. May-September is peak dry season with clear skies. June-August brings the biggest crowds and highest prices. November-March is wet season with daily rain, some trail closures, and lush green landscapes at lower prices. The Amazon is paradoxically better in wet season (higher water levels allow deeper boat access). Our sweet spot: April-May or September-October — dry weather, smaller crowds, shoulder pricing.

Do Australians need a visa for Peru?

No — Australian passport holders do not need a visa for tourism stays up to 183 days in Peru. You get a Tourist Card (Tarjeta Andina de Migración) on arrival, which must be kept until departure. Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond intended stay. No pre-arrival application needed. See our Americas Visa Guide for full regional entry requirements.

Is altitude sickness a real concern in Peru?

Yes — genuinely. Cusco sits at 3,339m, higher than Thredbo's peak (2,037m). Altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of fitness, and symptoms typically appear 6-24 hours after arrival. This itinerary deliberately sleeps the first Andean night in Urubamba (2,871m, Sacred Valley) rather than Cusco to soften the altitude jump. Acetazolamide (Diamox) prescribed by your GP before travel is recommended. Coca tea, slow movement for 48 hours, hydration, and avoiding alcohol on arrival all help. Serious altitude sickness needs immediate descent — see a doctor.

How do I book Machu Picchu tickets?

Machu Picchu uses a timed-entry circuit system. Book via the official site tuboleto.cultura.pe or through a Cooee Tours booking at least 2-3 months ahead (4+ months for peak season May-September). Tickets specify entry time AND circuit — Circuit 2 covers the classic postcard view; Circuits 1 and 3 are cheaper alternatives. Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hikes require separate tickets and sell out fastest. Entry rules change seasonally — always verify current circuit options before booking.

Should I do the Inca Trail or take the train?

Train is easier and included in this itinerary — Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, 1h30 with scenic Urubamba River views. Inca Trail adds 4 days of trekking but requires permits 6+ months ahead (limited to 500 per day including porters), significant altitude fitness, and swaps 3 lodge nights for camping. If trekking appeals, the Salkantay Trek is an excellent alternative with easier permits. Both classic train and trek options available through Cooee Tours.

Which Amazon region should I visit from Peru?

Two main options. Tambopata (from Puerto Maldonado) is closer — 1h flight from Cusco, easier logistics, cheaper lodges, excellent wildlife. This itinerary uses Tambopata. Iquitos / Pacaya-Samiria is much deeper Amazon — requires flight Lima to Iquitos, then boat or cruise. More remote, more biodiversity, more expensive. For a 14-day trip starting in Cusco, Tambopata integrates seamlessly. For deeper Amazon experience with 18+ days, Iquitos/Pacaya-Samiria.

Is Peru safe for Australian travellers?

Generally yes — tourist zones in Lima (Miraflores, Barranco), Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Amazon lodges are well-patrolled and safe for standard-precaution travellers. Pickpocketing in markets and on local buses is the main risk. Avoid displaying expensive electronics, use registered taxis (Uber works in Lima and Cusco), and don't walk alone at night in non-tourist areas. Political protests occur occasionally — check Smartraveller before travel. See our Americas Safety Guide for detailed country-by-country safety information.

Can I do this trip with kids?

Yes for kids aged 10+ with adjustments. The altitude is the main challenge — ease them in with extra Sacred Valley time before Cusco, skip Rainbow Mountain, don't attempt Huayna Picchu with young kids. Machu Picchu Circuit 2 is manageable with careful pace. Lake Titicaca boats are child-friendly. Amazon is genuinely great for kids 10+ — wildlife thrills and jungle walks. Under 8 is harder — long flights, altitude, and extended transit days aren't fun for little ones.

What should I eat in Peru?

Peru is a genuinely world-class food country — Lima has multiple restaurants in World's 50 Best. Must-try: ceviche (raw fish in lime), lomo saltado (Chinese-Peruvian stir-fry), aji de gallina (creamy chicken), cuy (guinea pig — genuinely, Andean delicacy), pachamanca (earth-oven meats), pisco sour cocktail. Food safety is generally fine in tourist zones — drink bottled water, eat at established restaurants, avoid unpeeled fruit from street carts. Gastón Acurio's empire (Chicha, La Mar, Astrid y Gastón, Panchita) is reliably excellent.

📚 Further Reading

Plan More of Your Peru Trip

Complement this itinerary with related destination guides and planning blogs from the Americas series.

14-Day Peru Classic — Lima to Machu Picchu & the Amazon

Sophie Leclerc · Americas Travel Specialist, Cooee Tours

The Journey — Lima to Amazon & Back

Altitude — Read This First

The Altitude Reality for Australians

Acetazolamide (Diamox)

Coca Tea & Hydration

First 48 Hours

Six Essentials Before Booking

No Visa for Aussies

Getting to Lima

Machu Picchu Tickets

Currency & Tipping

Dry vs Wet Season

Travel Insurance

Pick Your Season

Wet Season

Shoulder

Peak Dry

Shoulder

14 Days — Day by Day

Arrive Lima — Food Capital Recovery

Experiences

Sacred Valley — Inca Fortresses & Acclimatisation

Experiences

Machu Picchu — The Main Event

Experiences

Cusco — Inca Capital & Colonial Heart

Experiences

Lake Titicaca — Reed Islands & Ancient Culture

Experiences

Amazon Rainforest — Tambopata & Return to Lima

Experiences

Full AUD Budget Breakdown

Shorter, Trekking, or Luxury Variants

10-Day Peru Highlights

15-Day Inca Trail Version

14-Day Belmond Upgrade

If You Book This With Us

✅ Included in Package

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The Booking Checklist

🗓️ Priority Booking Order — 14-Day Peru Classic

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan More of Your Peru Trip

Machu Picchu Complete Guide

Amazon Rainforest Guide

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